Parents, Students Invited to 'Heroin Kills' Awareness Program

School district officials want to spread the word: heroin use is a problem, and deaths attributed to the drug among young people are on the rise.

The "Heroin Kills" presentation, scheduled for 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 14 at High School North, is one way officials are reaching out. 

"All of our children are at risk," reads a statement issued by Superintendent William George's office. "Come learn what you can do to protect your child."

In the past year, heroin deaths of those between the ages of 18-25 rose by 24 percent in New Jersey, according to school officials. A Patch list published last week showed that Middletown had 255 reported cases of heroin abuse in 2012. 

"The Middletown School District recognizes the enormity of the problem of heroin use in New Jersey and in Middletown," the district statement said. 

Scheduled to speak at the program are Christopher J. Gramiccioni, acting Monmouth County Prosecutor, along with students and law enforcement. 

Gramiccioni has spoken about the issue before, including during back to school night in Manasquan. 

Township Committeeman Anthony Fiore has said that Middletown is doing a "great deal" to combat the heroin problem. 

"We have one of the best Municipal Alliance programs that helps educate children as well as provides counseling and support to those who have been affected," he said last week. "Our police and quality of life unit are also a big part of the Bayshore Narcotics task force."